Metal Nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

A method of making metal nanoparticles comprising contacting metal with a diazonium compound substituted with an organic substituent and allowing said metal to react with the diazonium compound thereby forming metal nanoparticles wherein each of said metal nanoparticles comprises a metal core bonded to an outer layer of said organic substituent as well as nanoparticles made by that method.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of pending application Ser. No.13/266,755, filed May 17, 2012, entitled “Metal Nanoparticles,” whichwill issue as U.S. Pat. No. 8,816,115 on Aug. 26, 2014, and claimsbenefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/166,626, filed Apr. 3,2009, the disclosure of each application is incorporated in its entiretyherein by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exposure to ionizing radiation is considered to be dangerous for humans.The rays or particles can do damage to human tissue to an extent that isdose dependent: the more radiation, the more damage. One theory on therelationship between absorbed radiation dose and the probability ofhealth effects is that it is approximately linear without threshold,which would mean that there is a possible risk of health effects withany dose, however small. While there may indeed be no absolutely safedose, there are dosages that are considered acceptable for practicalpurposes and unlikely to produce health effects. The risk of exposure isalso dependent to a certain degree on the length of time over which theexposure occurred. The body can tolerate small doses that add up overtime better than the same exposure all at once.

All humans are exposed to some radiation simply by living on earth. Thisnaturally occurring or so-called background radiation comes from theradioactive decay of naturally occurring radioactive elements in theearth's crust. In addition to this, other sources of radiation are partof the course of everyday life such as dental or medical X rays,microwave radiation, luminous watch dials, color televisions, cosmicradiation, smoke alarms, and exit signs. A variety of sources ofexposure to extremely small doses which add up slowly over time sincedosage of radiation is cumulative over a lifetime.

The most commonly known destructive application of radiation is atomicbombs and/or military applications of radiation. Another commonly knownapplication is atomically/nuclear fueled power generation. Theelectromagnetic radiation released by an atomic bomb, coveringmore-or-less the entire electromagnetic spectrum, can penetrate deeplyinto human tissue to damage human cells. The threat posed by atomicbombs has arguably increased in recent years with the growth ofterrorism and the very real possibility that a “dirty bomb” can be madeby terrorists through use of readily available nuclear waste andcommercial application materials. Another source of concern comes fromnuclear power generation, which produces byproducts dangerous to thepublic and surrounding environment as well as providing an additionalroute for supply of radioactive materials to terrorist organizations.The destructive threat to humanity of such nuclear bombs has given riseto a need for cost-effective radiation protection, including the needfor lightweight radiation protective garments. Ideally, such lightweightradiation protective garments would simultaneously provide protectionagainst other types of hazards, such as fire, chemical, biological,projectile hazards and other forms of electromagnetic radiation. In thisway, first responders, such as firemen, paramedics, policemen or themilitary (and aerospace) could use a single garment to provide them withprotection against any type of hazard they might foreseeably confront.Broad-spectrum portable/mobile protection, such as, but not limited to,hybrid radiation-ballistics protection has, until now, not been feasibledue to, but not limited to, weight and financial resource limitations aswell as a lack in available technology. Such “universal” protectivegarments are also addressed in Applicants' application Ser. No.10/620,954, filed Jul. 16, 2003, entitled “Multiple Hazard ProtectionArticles And Methods For Making Them”, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

A number of constructive uses have also been developed for harnessingradiation. These constructive uses include, but are not limited to,medical x-rays diagnostics, nuclear power generation, and radiationbased material and structural analysis found in fundamental and appliedsciences and engineering. Presumably, many other constructive uses ofradiation remain undiscovered.

When an exposure occurs over an extended period of time, it is referredto as “chronic exposure.” Chronic exposure to radiation may occurnaturally and in the course of daily life. Persons working in thenuclear industry or utilizing a radiation source in the course of theirwork receive additional exposure. Standards have been set to protectsuch workers from dangerous dosages of radiation. However, thesestandards tend to change (lower) as more is learned about the effects ofradiation on the human body. A principal exists in the field ofradiation protection, which is referred to by the acronym “ALARA”, whichstands for As Low As Reasonably Achievable. Under this principle allexposures are kept to standardized minimum. In addition, the industry isrequired to take measures to reduce exposure if they can do so at areasonable cost. In order to monitor occupational exposures, the workerwears a film badge or “dosimeter” to measure the amount of radiation towhich they are exposed. Records are kept of the readings so thatcumulative dose tabulation can be kept. Recent recommendations haveresulted in a lowering of the maximum acceptable exposure. As indicatedby the Uranium Institute, “Dose limits are considered to be the maximumacceptable exposure for an individual but they do not represent anacceptable level of exposure for a large number of individuals, or alevel of exposure to which an individual can be repeatedly exposed.”

There are numerous international, federal and private organizations thatdisagree on how much exposure is “unhealthy”. Some feel that any dose ofionizing radiation, no matter how small, has the potential to docellular damage. Others believe that there is not enough evidence tosupport such claims. One common agreement, however, is that there is noone standard physiological reaction to specific levels of radiation.Some people are able to tolerate certain types of radiation better thanothers. Persons exposed to the same sources of “acute” (short-term)radiation can end up later in life with very different physiologicalresults. Ultimately, it is important for those concerned to investigateall current avenues of research and keep radiation exposure to anabsolute minimum. DeMeo and others have described the incorporation ofradiopaque materials and non-woven fibers (see; U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,889;incorporated hereby by reference in its entirety). Furthermore, advancedtechniques in extrusion and compounding allowed the higher loading ofthese radiopaque compounds to create a flexible garment. It isunderstood that the more dense and thinner the material, the moreefficient it is in attenuating radiation. In order to increase the loadof radiopaque materials in filaments, films, and fabrics, DeMeo hadincorporated nano-metals as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,476,889.Although this allowed for better radiation attenuation, the cost of thematerials and the limited supply limits their applications.

Typical nano-metal manufacturing involves techniques as described in theart, e.g., in U.S. Patent Appl. No. 2008/0226535, U.S. Pat. No.7,410,650 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,678,359. In all of these processes, thenano-metal is made from the anatomic level and built upward to create anano-metal. Further, the processes described in these references are notscalable in that yield is quite low and thus, economically, notpracticable. The instant application describes the first process tomanufacture nano-metals from the macro level downward. As describedfurther herein, in some embodiments, Applicants' methods compriseproviding, e.g., a bulk compound, such as tungsten (W) and then convertit directly to mono dispersed chemical product (nano metal). In doingso, large amounts of metal nanoparticles can be made in a commercialscale and at a fraction of the cost.

Thus, there is a need in the art for compositions useful for radiationprotection. The compositions and methods provided herein meet these andother needs in the art.

In addition to human and assorted biological protection needs fromvarious forms of radiation, there are multiple other areas whereradiation attenuation is desirable. Various electronic systems, be itland, air, sea, and space based, are known to be particularly sensitiveto radiation that can cause errors in functionality as well as partialor total system failure. Componentry critical to research, medicaltreatment, as well as defense systems require controlled isolation fromvarious radiation sources and thus provide an additional demand formaterials advancement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, a metal nanoparticle is provided including a metal coreand an outer layer encompassing the metal core. The outer layer includesa plurality of organic substituents bonded to the metal core. The metalnanoparticle typically is less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions.

In another aspect, a metal nanopowder is provided. The metal nanopowderincludes a plurality of the metal nanoparticles having a metal core andan outer layer encompassing the metal core. The outer layer includes aplurality of organic substituents bonded to the metal core. The metalnanoparticle is typically less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions.

In another aspect, radiation shields are provided. The radiation shieldincludes a metal nanoparticle having a metal core and an outer layerencompassing the metal core. The outer layer includes a plurality oforganic substituents bonded to the metal core. The metal nanoparticle istypically less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions.

In another aspect, a method is provided for making a metal nanoparticle.The method includes contacting a metal with a diazonium compoundsubstituted with an organic substituent. The metal is allowed to reactwith the diazonium compound thereby forming a metal nanoparticle. Themetal nanoparticle includes a metal core and an outer layer encompassingthe metal core. The outer layer includes a plurality of the organicsubstituents bonded to the metal core.

Some embodiments of the present invention are set forth in claim formatdirectly below:

Claim 1. A metal nanoparticle comprising a metal core and an outer layerencompassing said core, said outer layer comprising a plurality oforganic substituents bonded to said metal core, wherein said metalnanoparticle is less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions.Claim 2. The metal nanoparticle according to claim 1, wherein said metalcore comprises

-   -   (i) a metal selected from the group consisting of germanium,        antimony, polonium, tellurium, scandium, yttrium, lanthanum,        actinium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, rutherfordium, niobium,        dubnium, chromium, molybdenum, seaborgium, manganese,        technetium, rhenium, bohrium, ruthenium, osmium, hassium,        cobalt, rhodium, iridium, meitnerium, palladium, platinum,        darmstadtium, copper, silver, roentgenium, zinc, cadmium,        mercury, indium, gallium, thallium, ununbium, tungsten, gold,        aluminum, bismuth, iron, vanadium, nickel, palladium, tin, lead,        tantalum and uranium; or    -   (ii) a metal selected from the group consisting of tungsten,        germanium, gold, aluminum, bismuth, iron, vanadium, silver,        nickel, palladium, tin, lead, tantalum, copper, and uranium.        Claim 3. The metal nanoparticle according to claim 1, wherein        said metal core comprises (i) gold;    -   (ii) silver;    -   (iii) aluminum;    -   (iv) iron;    -   (v) iron-oxide;    -   (vi) copper;    -   (vii) germanium; or    -   (viii) tungsten.        Claim 4. The metal nanoparticle according to any one of claims 1        to 3, wherein said plurality of organic substituents are    -   (i) covalently bonded to said metal core through a carbon-metal        covalent bond; or    -   (ii) crosslinked.        Claim 5. The metal nanoparticle according to any one of claims 1        to 4, wherein said plurality of organic substituents form a        self-assembled monolayer.        Claim 6. The metal nanoparticle according to any one of claims 1        to 5, wherein said plurality of organic substituents    -   (i) are selected from the group consisting of substituted or        unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,        substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or        unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted        aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl;    -   (ii) are selected from the group consisting of R¹-substituted or        unsubstituted alkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted        heteroalkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,        R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, R¹-substituted        or unsubstituted aryl, and R¹-substituted or unsubstituted        heteroaryl;        -   wherein R¹ is halogen, —CN, —S(O)_(n)R², —NR³R⁴, —C(O)R⁵,            —NR⁶—C(O)R⁷, —NR⁸—C(O)—OR⁹, —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, NR¹²S(O)₂R¹³,            —OR¹⁴, —S(O)₂NR¹⁵, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,            R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,            R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted            or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or            unsubstituted aryl, or R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted            heteroaryl, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 2; and        -   R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵            and R¹⁶ are independently hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl,            unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl,            unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted aryl, or            unsubstituted heteroaryl.            Claim 7. The metal nanoparticle according to any one of            claims 1 to 5, wherein said plurality of organic            substituents have the formula:

-   -   wherein    -   L¹ is R¹-substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, R¹-substituted        or unsubstituted heteroalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted        cycloalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted        heterocycloalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted arylene,        and R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylene;    -   R¹ is halogen, —CN, —S(O)_(n)R², —NR³R⁴, —C(O)R⁵, —NR⁶—C(O)R⁷,        —NR⁸—C(O)—OR⁹, —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, —NR¹²S(O)₂R¹³, −OR¹⁴, —S(O)₂NR¹⁵,        R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or        unsubstituted heteroalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted        cycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl,        R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or R¹⁶-substituted or        unsubstituted heteroaryl, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 2,    -   R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and        R¹⁶ independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,        substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted        cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl,        substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted or        unsubstituted heteroaryl.        Claim 8. The metal nanoparticle according to claim 7, wherein L¹        is    -   (i) R¹-substituted or unsubstituted alkylene;    -   (ii) R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkylene;    -   (iii) R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₀ alkylene;    -   (iv) R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₅ alkylene;    -   (v) R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkylene; or    -   (vi) unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkylene.        Claim 9. The metal nanoparticle according to any one of claims 1        to 8, wherein said plurality of organic substituents are        identical.        Claim 10. The metal nanoparticle according to any one of claims        1 to 9, wherein said metal nanoparticle is    -   (i) less than 50 nm in length in all dimensions;    -   (ii) less than 25 nm in length in all dimensions;    -   (iii) less than 10 nm in length in all dimensions;    -   (iv) less than 5 nm in length in all dimensions; or    -   (v) less than 3 nm in length in all dimensions.        Claim 11. A metal nanopowder comprising a plurality of metal        nanoparticles wherein a metal nanoparticle is a metal        nanoparticle according to any one of claims 1 to 10.        Claim 12. A radiation shield comprising a plurality of metal        nanoparticles wherein a metal nanoparticle is a metal        nanoparticle according to any one of claims 1 to 10.        Claim 13. A radiation shield comprising a metal nanoparticle,        said metal nanoparticle comprising a metal core and an outer        layer encompassing said core, said outer layer comprising a        plurality of organic substituents covalently bonded to said        metal core, wherein said metal nanoparticle is less than 1 μm in        length in all dimensions.        Claim 14. The radiation shield according to any one of claims 12        to 13, wherein said radiation shield is lead-free.        Claim 15. The radiation shield according to any one of claims 12        to 14, wherein said radiation shield is a personal radiation        shield.        Claim 16. The radiation shield of claim 15, wherein said        personal radiation shield    -   (i) is used to shield radiation from a cell phone, a medical        device, or a shielding for equipment and use in aerospace;    -   (ii) is a blanket, head covering, foot covering, hand covering,        an undergarment, an injection molded product, or an extruded        product; or    -   (iii) comprises a non-woven material, a fiber material, a film,        a filament, or a woven material.        Claim 17. A method of making a plurality of metal nanoparticles,        said method comprising the steps of:    -   (a) contacting a metal with a diazonium compound substituted        with an organic substituent; and    -   (b) allowing the metal to react with the diazonium compound        thereby forming a metal nanoparticle wherein said metal        nanoparticle comprises a metal core and an outer layer        encompassing said core, said outer layer comprising a plurality        of said organic substituents covalently bonded to said metal        core, wherein at least 50% of said plurality of metal        nanoparticles are less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions.        claim 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein a plurality        of metal nanoparticle are produced, and wherein    -   (i) at least 60% of said plurality of metal nanoparticles are        less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions;    -   (ii) at least 70% of said plurality of metal nanoparticles are        less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions;    -   (iii) at least 80% of said plurality of metal nanoparticles are        less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions;    -   (iv) at least 90% of said plurality of metal nanoparticles are        less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions;    -   (v) at least 95% of said plurality of metal nanoparticles are        less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions; or    -   (vi) 100% of said plurality of metal nanoparticles are less than        100 nm in length in all dimensions.        Claim 19. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 19,        wherein said metal and said metal core    -   (i) comprise a metal selected from the group consisting of        tungsten, germanium, gold, aluminum, bismuth, iron, vanadium,        silver, nickel, palladium, tin, lead, tantalum, copper, and        uranium; or    -   (ii) consist of tungsten.        Claim 20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19,        wherein said metal comprises tungsten.        Claim 21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20,        wherein said plurality of organic substituents    -   (i) are covalently bonded to said metal core through a        carbon-metal covalent bond; or    -   (ii) crosslinked.        claim 22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21,        wherein said plurality of organic substituents    -   (i) are selected from the group consisting of substituted or        unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,        substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or        unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted        aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl;    -   (ii) are selected from the group consisting of R¹-substituted or        unsubstituted alkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted        heteroalkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,        R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, R¹-substituted        or unsubstituted aryl, and R¹-substituted or unsubstituted        heteroaryl;        -   R¹ is halogen, —CN, —S(O)_(n)R², —NR³R⁴, —C(O)R⁵,            —NR⁶—C(O)R⁷, —NR⁸—C(O)—OR⁹, —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, —NR¹²S(O)₂R¹³,            —OR¹⁴, —S(O)₂NR¹⁵, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,            R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,            R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted            or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or            unsubstituted aryl, or R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted            heteroaryl, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 2; and        -   R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵            and R¹⁶ are independently hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl,            unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl,            unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted aryl, or            unsubstituted heteroaryl.            Claim 23. The method according to any one of claims 17 to            21, wherein said plurality of organic substituents have the            formula:

wherein

-   -   L¹ is R¹-substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, R¹-substituted        or unsubstituted heteroalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted        cycloalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted        heterocycloalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted arylene,        and R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylene;    -   R¹ is halogen, —CN, —S(O)_(n)R², —NR³R⁴, —C(O)R⁵, —NR⁶—C(O)R⁷,        —NR⁸—C(O)—OR⁹, —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, —NR¹²S(O)₂R¹³, —OR¹⁴, —S(O)₂NR¹⁵,        R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or        unsubstituted heteroalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted        cycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl,        R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or R¹⁶-substituted or        unsubstituted heteroaryl, wherein n is an integer from 0 to 2,    -   R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and        R¹⁶ are independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted        alkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted        cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl,        substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted or        unsubstituted heteroaryl.        Claim 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein L¹ is    -   (i) R¹-substituted or unsubstituted alkylene;    -   (ii) R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkylene;    -   (iii) R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₀ alkylene;    -   (iv) R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₅ alkylene;    -   (v) R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkylene; or    -   (vi) unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkylene.        Claim 25. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 24,        wherein said plurality of organic substituents are identical.        Claim 26. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 25,        wherein at least 90% of said plurality of metal nanoparticles is    -   (i) less than 50 nm in length in all dimensions;    -   (ii) less than 25 nm in length in all dimensions;    -   (iii) less than 10 nm in length in all dimensions;    -   (iv) less than 5 nm in length in all dimensions; or    -   (v) less than 3 nm in length in all dimensions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a TEM image of one form of a metal powder fabricatedaccording to the invention. Details are described in Example 1.

FIG. 2 depicts a TEM image of another form of a metal powder fabricatedaccording to the invention. Details are described in Example 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a reaction scheme for producing tungsten nanoparticlesaccording to a method of the invention and as described in Example 1.

FIG. 4 depicts photographs of miniature mixtures used for meltingexperiments: (A) MBM and (B) APAM. Details are described in Example 2.

FIG. 5 depicts thermograms of tungsten powder and composites preparedfrom MBB (Sample #3, #4, #5, and #6). Details are described in Example2.

FIG. 6 depicts determination of weight loss onset temperature from athermogram, as described in Example 2.

FIG. 7 depicts a photograph of the compression molded sample (a) #2 and(b) #4, as described in Example 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. Definitions

Throughout the present specification and the accompanying claims thewords “comprise” and “include” and variations such as “comprises”,“comprising”, “includes” and “including” are to be interpretedinclusively. That is, these words are intended to convey the possibleinclusion of other elements or integers not specifically recited, wherethe context allows. No language in the specification should be construedas indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of theinvention.

The terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents used in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. Recitation of ranges of values herein aremerely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individuallyto each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwiseindicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into thespecification as if it were individually recited herein. Ranges may beexpressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about”another particular value. When such a range is expressed, anotherembodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the otherparticular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about” or “approximate” itwill be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the rangesare significant both in relation to the other endpoint, andindependently of the other endpoint. It is also understood that thereare a number of values disclosed herein, and that each value is alsoherein disclosed as “about” that particular value in addition to thevalue itself. For example, if the value “10” is disclosed, then “about10” is also disclosed. It is also understood that when a value isdisclosed that is “less than or equal to the value” or “greater than orequal to the value” possible ranges between these values are alsodisclosed, as appropriately understood by the skilled artisan. Forexample, if the value “10” is disclosed the “less than or equal to 10”as well as “greater than or equal to 10” is also disclosed.

All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable orderunless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted bycontext. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate theinvention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the inventionotherwise claimed.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. It isanticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, ordeleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is hereindeemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the writtendescription of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and arenot meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or theclaims, which can be had by reference to the specification as a whole.Accordingly, the terms defined immediately below are more fully definedby reference to the specification in its entirety.

The abbreviations used herein have their conventional meaning within thechemical and biological arts.

Where substituent groups are specified by their conventional chemicalformulae, written from left to right, they equally encompass thechemically identical substituents that would result from writing thestructure from right to left, e.g., —CH₂O— is equivalent to —OCH₂—.

The term “alkyl,” by itself or as part of another substituent, means,unless otherwise stated, a straight (i.e. unbranched) or branched chain,or combination thereof, which may be fully saturated, mono- orpolyunsaturated and can include di- and multivalent radicals, having thenumber of carbon atoms designated (i.e. C₁-C₁₀ means one to tencarbons). Examples of saturated hydrocarbon radicals include, but arenot limited to, groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl,n-butyl, t-butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, cyclohexyl, (cyclohexyl)methyl,cyclopropylmethyl, homologs and isomers of, for example, n-pentyl,n-hexyl, n-heptyl, n-octyl, and the like. An unsaturated alkyl group isone having one or more double bonds or triple bonds. Examples ofunsaturated alkyl groups include, but are not limited to, vinyl,2-propenyl, crotyl, 2-isopentenyl, 2-(butadienyl), 2,4-pentadienyl,3-(1,4-pentadienyl), ethynyl, 1- and 3-propynyl, 3-butynyl, and thehigher homologs and isomers.

The term “alkylene” by itself or as part of another substituent means adivalent radical derived from an alkyl, as exemplified, but not limited,by —CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂—. Typically, an alkyl (or alkylene) group will havefrom 1 to 24 carbon atoms, with those groups having 10 or fewer carbonatoms being preferred in the present invention. A “lower alkyl” or“lower alkylene” is a shorter chain alkyl or alkylene group, generallyhaving eight or fewer carbon atoms.

The term “heteroalkyl,” by itself or in combination with another term,means, unless otherwise stated, a stable straight or branched chain, orcyclic hydrocarbon radical, or combinations thereof, consisting of atleast one carbon atoms and at least one heteroatom selected from thegroup consisting of O, N, P, Si and S, and wherein the nitrogen andsulfur atoms may optionally be oxidized and the nitrogen heteroatom mayoptionally be quaternized. The heteroatom(s) O, N, P and S and Si may beplaced at any interior position of the heteroalkyl group or at theposition at which the alkyl group is attached to the remainder of themolecule. Examples include, but are not limited to, —CH₂—CH₂—O—CH₃,—CH₂—CH₂—NH—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂—N(CH₃)—CH₃, —CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂,—S(O)—CH₃, —CH₂—CH₂—S(O)₂—CH₃, —CH═CH—O—CH₃, —Si(CH₃)₃, —CH₂—CH═N—OCH₃,—CH═CH—N(CH₃)—CH₃, O—CH₃, —O—CH₂—CH₃, and —CN. Up to two heteroatoms maybe consecutive, such as, for example, —CH₂—NH—OCH₃ and —CH₂—O—Si(CH₃)₃.Similarly, the term “heteroalkylene” by itself or as part of anothersubstituent means a divalent radical derived from heteroalkyl, asexemplified, but not limited by, —CH₂—CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₂— and—CH₂—S—CH₂—CH₂—NH—CH₂—. For heteroalkylene groups, heteroatoms can alsooccupy either or both of the chain termini (e.g., alkyleneoxy,alkylenedioxy, alkyleneamino, alkylenediamino, and the like). Stillfurther, for alkylene and heteroalkylene linking groups, no orientationof the linking group is implied by the direction in which the formula ofthe linking group is written. For example, the formula —C(O)₂R′—represents both —C(O)₂R′— and —R′C(O)₂—. As described above, heteroalkylgroups, as used herein, include those groups that are attached to theremainder of the molecule through a heteroatom, such as —C(O)R′,—C(O)NR′, —NR′R″, —OR′, —SR′, and/or —SO₂R′. Where “heteroalkyl” isrecited, followed by recitations of specific heteroalkyl groups, such as—NR′R″ or the like, it will be understood that the terms heteroalkyl and—NR′R″ are not redundant or mutually exclusive. Rather, the specificheteroalkyl groups are recited to add clarity. Thus, the term“heteroalkyl” should not be interpreted herein as excluding specificheteroalkyl groups, such as —NR′R″ or the like.

The terms “cycloalkyl” and “heterocycloalkyl”, by themselves or incombination with other terms, represent, unless otherwise stated, cyclicversions of “alkyl” and “heteroalkyl”, respectively. Additionally, forheterocycloalkyl, a heteroatom can occupy the position at which theheterocycle is attached to the remainder of the molecule. Examples ofcycloalkyl include, but are not limited to, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,1-cyclohexenyl, 3-cyclohexenyl, cycloheptyl, and the like. Examples ofheterocycloalkyl include, but are not limited to,1-(1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridyl), 1-piperidinyl, 2-piperidinyl,3-piperidinyl, 4-morpholinyl, 3-morpholinyl, tetrahydrofuran-2-yl,tetrahydrofuran-3-yl, tetrahydrothien-2-yl, tetrahydrothien-3-yl,1-piperazinyl, 2-piperazinyl, and the like. A “cycloalkylene” and“heterocycloalkylene” refer to a divalent radical derived fromcycloalkyl and heterocycloalkyl, respectively.

The terms “halo” or “halogen,” by themselves or as part of anothersubstituent, mean, unless otherwise stated, a fluorine, chlorine,bromine, or iodine atom. Additionally, terms such as “haloalkyl,” aremeant to include monohaloalkyl and polyhaloalkyl. For example, the term“halo(C₁-C₄)alkyl” is mean to include, but not be limited to,trifluoromethyl, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl, 4-chlorobutyl, 3-bromopropyl, andthe like.

The term “aryl” means, unless otherwise stated, a polyunsaturated,aromatic, hydrocarbon substituent which can be a single ring or multiplerings (preferably from 1 to 3 rings) which are fused together or linkedcovalently. The term “heteroaryl” refers to aryl groups (or rings) thatcontain from one to four heteroatoms selected from N, O, and S, whereinthe nitrogen and sulfur atoms are optionally oxidized, and the nitrogenatom(s) are optionally quaternized. A heteroaryl group can be attachedto the remainder of the molecule through a carbon or heteroatom.Non-limiting examples of aryl and heteroaryl groups include phenyl,1-naphthyl, 2-naphthyl, 4-biphenyl, 1-pyrrolyl, 2-pyrrolyl, 3-pyrrolyl,3-pyrazolyl, 2-imidazolyl, 4-imidazolyl, pyrazinyl, 2-oxazolyl,4-oxazolyl, 2-phenyl-4-oxazolyl, 5-oxazolyl, 3-isoxazolyl, 4-isoxazolyl,5-isoxazolyl, 2-thiazolyl, 4-thiazolyl, 5-thiazolyl, 2-furyl, 3-furyl,2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, 2-pyridyl, 3-pyridyl, 4-pyridyl, 2-pyrimidyl,4-pyrimidyl, 5-benzothiazolyl, purinyl, 2-benzimidazolyl, 5-indolyl,1-isoquinolyl, 5-isoquinolyl, 2-quinoxalinyl, 5-quinoxalinyl,3-quinolyl, and 6-quinolyl. Substituents for each of the above notedaryl and heteroaryl ring systems are selected from the group ofacceptable substituents described below. “Arylene” and “heteroarylene”refers to a divalent radical derived from a aryl and heteroaryl,respectively.

For brevity, the term “aryl” when used in combination with other terms(e.g., aryloxy, arylthioxy, arylalkyl) includes both aryl and heteroarylrings as defined above. Thus, the term “arylalkyl” is meant to includethose radicals in which an aryl group is attached to an alkyl group(e.g., benzyl, phenethyl, pyridylmethyl and the like) including thosealkyl groups in which a carbon atom (e.g., a methylene group) has beenreplaced by, for example, an oxygen atom (e.g., phenoxymethyl,2-pyridyloxymethyl, 3-(1-naphthyloxy)propyl, and the like).

The term “oxo” as used herein means an oxygen that is double bonded to acarbon atom.

The term “alkylsulfonyl” as used herein means a moiety having theformula —S(O₂)—R′, where R′ is an alkyl group as defined above. R′ mayhave a specified number of carbons (e.g. “C₁-C₄ alkylsulfonyl”).

Each of the above terms (e.g., “alkyl,” “heteroalkyl,” “aryl” and“heteroaryl”) are meant to include both substituted and unsubstitutedforms of the indicated radical. Preferred substituents for each type ofradical are provided below.

Substituents for the alkyl and heteroalkyl radicals (including thosegroups often referred to as alkylene, alkenyl, heteroalkylene,heteroalkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, andheterocycloalkenyl) can be one or more of a variety of groups selectedfrom, but not limited to: —OR′, ═O, ═NR′, ═N—OR′, —NR′R″, —SR′,-halogen, —SiR′R″R′″, —OC(O)R′, —C(O)R′, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —OC(O)NR′R″,—NR″C(O)R′, —NR′—C(O)NR″R′″, —NR″C(O)₂R′, —NR—C(NR′R″R″)═NR″″,—NR—C(NR′R″)═NR′″, —S(O)R′, —S(O)₂R′, —S(O)₂NR′R″, —NRSO₂R′, —CN and—NO₂ in a number ranging from zero to (2m′+1), where m′ is the totalnumber of carbon atoms in such radical. R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ eachpreferably independently refer to hydrogen, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl (e.g.,aryl substituted with 1-3 halogens), substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,alkoxy or thioalkoxy groups, or arylalkyl groups. When a compound of theinvention includes more than one R group, for example, each of the Rgroups is independently selected as are each R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ groupswhen more than one of these groups is present. When R′ and R″ areattached to the same nitrogen atom, they can be combined with thenitrogen atom to form a 4-, 5-, 6-, or 7-membered ring. For example,—NR′R″ is meant to include, but not be limited to, 1-pyrrolidinyl and4-morpholinyl. From the above discussion of substituents, one of skillin the art will understand that the term “alkyl” is meant to includegroups including carbon atoms bound to groups other than hydrogengroups, such as haloalkyl (e.g., —CF₃ and —CH₂CF₃) and acyl (e.g.,—C(O)CH₃, —C(O)CF₃, —C(O)CH₂OCH₃, and the like).

Similar to the substituents described for the alkyl radical,substituents for the aryl and heteroaryl groups are varied and areselected from, for example: halogen, —OR′, —NR′R″, —SR′, -halogen,—SiR′R″R′″, —OC(O)R′, —C(O)R′, —CO₂R′, —CONR′R″, —OC(O)NR′R″,—NR″C(O)R′, —NR′—C(O)NR″R′″, —NR″C(O)₂R′, —NR—C(NR′R″R′″)═NR″″,NR—C(NR′R″)═NR′″, —S(O)R′, —S(O)₂R′, —S(O)₂NR′R″, —NRSO₂R′, —CN and—NO₂, —R′, —N₃, —CH(Ph)₂, fluoro(C₁-C₄)alkoxy, and fluoro(C₁-C₄)alkyl,in a number ranging from zero to the total number of open valences onthe aromatic ring system; and where R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ are preferablyindependently selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstitutedalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted aryl and substituted or unsubstitutedheteroaryl. When a compound of the invention includes more than one Rgroup, for example, each of the R groups is independently selected asare each R′, R″, R′″ and R″″ groups when more than one of these groupsis present.

Two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ringmay optionally form a ring of the formula -T-C(O)—(CRR′)_(q)—U—, whereinT and U are independently —NR—, —O—, —CRR′— or a single bond, and q isan integer of from 0 to 3. Alternatively, two of the substituents onadjacent atoms of the aryl or heteroaryl ring may optionally be replacedwith a substituent of the formula -A-(CH₂)_(r)—B—, wherein A and B areindependently —CRR′—, —O—, —NR—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, —S(O)₂NR′— or asingle bond, and r is an integer of from 1 to 4. One of the single bondsof the new ring so formed may optionally be replaced with a double bond.Alternatively, two of the substituents on adjacent atoms of the aryl orheteroaryl ring may optionally be replaced with a substituent of theformula —(CRR′)_(s)—X′—(C″R′″)_(d)—, where s and d are independentlyintegers of from 0 to 3, and X′ is —O—, —NR′—, —S—, —S(O)—, —S(O)₂—, or—S(O)₂NR′—. The substituents R, R′, R″ and R′″ are preferablyindependently selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstitutedalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, andsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

As used herein, the term “heteroatom” or “ring heteroatom” is meant toinclude oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), phosphorus (P), andsilicon (Si).

A “substituent group,” as used herein, means a group selected from thefollowing moieties:

-   -   (A) —OH, —NH₂, —SH, —CN, —CF₃, —NO₂, oxo, halogen, unsubstituted        alkyl, unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl,        unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted aryl,        unsubstituted heteroaryl, and    -   (B) alkyl, heteroalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl, and        heteroaryl, substituted with at least one substituent selected        from:        -   (i) oxo, —OH, —NH₂, —SH, —CN, —CF₃, —NO₂, halogen,            unsubstituted alkyl, unsubstituted heteroalkyl,            unsubstituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl,            unsubstituted aryl, unsubstituted heteroaryl, and        -   (ii) alkyl, heteroalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl,            and heteroaryl, substituted with at least one substituent            selected from:            -   (a) oxo, —OH, —NH₂, —SH, —CN, —CF₃, —NO₂, halogen,                unsubstituted alkyl, unsubstituted heteroalkyl,                unsubstituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted                heterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted aryl, unsubstituted                heteroaryl, and            -   (b) alkyl, heteroalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl,                aryl, or heteroaryl, substituted with at least one                substituent selected from oxo, —OH, —NH₂, —SH, —CN,                —CF₃, —NO₂, halogen, unsubstituted alkyl, unsubstituted                heteroalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, unsubstituted                heterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted aryl, and unsubstituted                heteroaryl.

A “size-limited substituent” or “size-limited substituent group,” asused herein means a group selected from all of the substituentsdescribed above for a “substituent group,” wherein each substituted orunsubstituted alkyl is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, eachsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl is a substituted orunsubstituted 2 to 20 membered heteroalkyl, each substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkyl is a substituted or unsubstituted C₄-C₈cycloalkyl, and each substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl is asubstituted or unsubstituted 4 to 8 membered heterocycloalkyl.

A “lower substituent” or “lower substituent group,” as used herein meansa group selected from all of the substituents described above for a“substituent group,” wherein each substituted or unsubstituted alkyl isa substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl, each substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl is a substituted or unsubstituted 2 to 8membered heteroalkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl is asubstituted or unsubstituted C₅-C₇ cycloalkyl, and each substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl is a substituted or unsubstituted 5 to 7membered heterocycloalkyl.

The term “biological subject,” as used herein, refers to living subjectsand encompasses mammals and non-mammals. Examples of mammals include,but are not limited to, any member of the Mammalian class: humans,non-human primates such as chimpanzees, and other apes and monkeyspecies; farm animals such as cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine;domestic animals such as rabbits, dogs, and cats; laboratory animalsincluding rodents, such as rats, mice and guinea pigs, and the like.Examples of non-mammals include, but are not limited to, birds, fish andthe like. In one embodiment of the methods and compositions providedherein, the mammal is a human.

By “contacting” is meant an instance of exposure of at least onesubstance to another substance. As used herein, the term “contacting”includes reference to placement of one substance in direct physicalassociation with another substance. Further, the term “contacting” isused herein interchangeably with the following: combined with, added to,mixed with, passed over, incubated with, flowed over, etc.

The terms “optional” or “optionally” as used throughout thespecification means that the subsequently described event orcircumstance may but need not occur, and that the description includesinstances where the event or circumstance occurs and instances in whichit does not. For example, “heterocyclo group optionally mono- ordi-substituted with an alkyl group means that the alkyl may, but neednot, be present, and the description includes situations where theheterocyclo group is mono- or disubstituted with an alkyl group andsituations where the heterocyclo group is not substituted with the alkylgroup. “Optionally substituted” means a ring, which is optionallysubstituted independently with substituents. For example, a site of agroup that is unsubstituted may be substituted with hydrogen.

The symbol

denotes a point of attachment of a moiety to the remainder of a compoundor composition.

II. Metal Nanoparticles

In one aspect, a metal nanoparticle is provided including a metal coreand an outer layer encompassing the metal core. The outer layer includesa plurality of organic substituents bonded to the metal core. The metalnanoparticle typically is less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions.For example, where the metal nanoparticle is approximately spherical,the longest diameter is less than 1 μm. In some embodiments, the metalnanoparticle is less than 200 nm in length in all dimensions.

In some embodiments, the outer layer includes a plurality of organicsubstituents bonded to the metal core. In some embodiments the outerlayer includes a plurality of organic substituents bonded to the metalcore through a covalent bond, an ionic bond, a hydrogen bond, orhydrophobic forces. In certain embodiments, the outer layer includes aplurality of organic substituents covalently bonded to the metal core.

The metal core includes a metal. The metal may be germanium, antimony,polonium, tellurium, scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, actinium, titanium,zirconium, hafnium, rutherfordium, niobium, dubnium, chromium,molybdenum, seaborgium, manganese, technetium, rhenium, bohrium,ruthenium, osmium, hassium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, meitnerium,palladium, platinum, darmstadtium, copper, silver, roentgenium, zinc,cadmium, mercury, indium, gallium, thallium, ununbium, tungsten, gold,aluminum, bismuth, iron, vanadium, nickel, palladium, tin, lead,tantalum, or uranium. In some embodiments, the metal is tungsten,germanium, gold, aluminum, bismuth, iron, vanadium, silver, nickel,palladium, tin, lead, tantalum, copper, or uranium. In some embodiments,the metal is gold. In some embodiments, the metal is silver. In someembodiments, the metal is aluminum. In some embodiments, the metal isiron. In some embodiments, the metal is iron-oxide. In some embodiments,the metal is copper. In some embodiments, the metal is germanium. Insome embodiments, the metal is tungsten.

The metal core may include or entirely consist of any one of the metalsdescribed in the preceding paragraph. In some embodiments, the metalcore is a gold core. In some embodiments, the metal core is a silvercore. In some embodiments, the metal core is an aluminum core. In someembodiments, the metal core is an iron core. In some embodiments, themetal core is an iron-oxide core. In some embodiments, the metal core isa copper core. In some embodiments, the metal core is a germanium core.In some embodiments, the metal core is a tungsten core. The metal coremay be of any appropriate shape. In some embodiments, the metal core isspherical. In some embodiments, the metal core is cylindrical. In someembodiments, the metal core is approximately spherical. In someembodiments, the metal core is approximately cylindrical.

In some embodiments, a metal core includes or entirely consists of analloy or oxide cluster, such as Ni₃Nb, super alloy inconel, steel, oroxide species such as Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄. In some embodiments, a metal coreincludes or entirely consists of a metal sulfide, such as AuS. In someembodiments, a metal core is a non-singular component system, such asNi₃Nb, super alloy inconel, steel, oxide (e.g. Fe₂O₃ and Fe₃O₄) or amultiple component system having two or more component multiple shellmodel such as a gold core surrounded with a silver layer, varioustungsten carbide species, as well as metal-ceramic mixtures. In someembodiments, two or more structurally differing variations of the samematerial such as crystalline and non-crystalline Al₂O₃ and other similarchemical species may be present.

The metal core includes an outer surface. In some embodiments, the outersurface is composed of a metal selected from those described above. Theouter surface of the metal core is typically in contact with the outerlayer of the metal nanoparticle. Thus, in some embodiments, theplurality of organic substituents, forming at least in part the outerlayer, are covalently bonded to the metal core (e.g. the outer surfaceof the metal core) through a carbon-metal covalent bond. As described inmore detail below, one ore more organic substituents forming theplurality of organic substituents may be crosslinked.

In some embodiments, the organic substituents comprise, at least inpart, a self-assembled monolayer. Thus, the plurality of organicsubstrates may form a single layer of molecules encompassing the metalcore as the outer layer of the metal nanoparticle.

One or more, or all, of the plurality of organic substituents may besubstituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, orsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. In some embodiments, theorganic substituent is selected from R¹-substituted or unsubstitutedalkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, R¹-substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted aryl, orR¹-substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. R¹ is halogen, —CN,—S(O)_(n)R², —NR³R⁴, —C(O)R⁵, —NR⁶—C(O)R⁷, —NR⁸—C(O)—OR⁹, —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹,—NR¹²S(O)₂R¹³, —OR¹⁴, —S(O)₂NR¹⁵, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstitutedalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted aryl, orR¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, wherein n is an integerfrom 0 to 2. R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴,R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are independently hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl,unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted aryl, or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

In some embodiments, one or more, or all, of the plurality of organicsubstituents have the formula:

In Formula (I), L¹ is R¹-substituted or unsubstituted alkylene,R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkylene, R¹-substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted arylene, andR¹-substituted or unsubstituted heteroarylene. R¹ is halogen, —CN,—S(O)_(n)R², —NR³R⁴, —C(O)R⁵, —NR⁶—C(O)R⁷, —NR⁸—C(O)—OR⁹, —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹,—NR¹²S(O)₂R¹³, —OR¹⁴, —S(O)₂NR¹⁵, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstitutedalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted aryl, orR¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, wherein n is an integerfrom 0 to 2. R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴,R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are independently hydrogen, substituted or unsubstitutedalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstitutedcycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted aryl, or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

In some embodiments, L¹ is R¹-substituted or unsubstituted alkylene. L¹may also be R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkylene.Alternatively, L¹ is R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₁₀ alkylene. Inother embodiments, L¹ is R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₅ alkylene.L¹ may also be R¹-substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkylene. Or L¹ isunsubstituted C₁-C₃ alkylene.

In some embodiments, one or more (i.e., at least two), or all, of theplurality of organic substituents include a substituted or unsubstitutedporphyrin optionally bound to a porphyrin metal. The porphyrin metal isa metal ion typically with a charge of 2+ or 3+ and is capable ofbinding within the central N4 cavity formed by the loss of two protonsof the porphyrin. In some embodiments, the porphyrin metal is magnesiumion, nickel ion, or manganese ion. In some related embodiments, one ormore (i.e., at least two), or all, of the plurality of organicsubstituents are a substituted or unsubstituted porphyrin optionallybound to a porphyrin metal.

As described above, in some embodiments, the plurality of organicsubstituents is different, i.e., the plurality of organic substituentscomprises different members. In some embodiments, the plurality oforganic substituents is identical, i.e., the plurality of organicsubstituents comprises identical members. In some embodiments, someportion(s) of the organic substituents differ. As used herein, the terms“different” or “differ” mean not the same, not of the same identity.

In some embodiments, each substituted group described above for theorganic substituent is substituted with at least one substituent group.More specifically, in some embodiments, each substituted alkyl,substituted heteroalkyl, substituted cycloalkyl, substitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted aryl, substituted heteroaryl, substitutedalkylene, substituted heteroalkylene, substituted cycloalkylene,substituted, substituted heteroalkylene, substituted arylene, and/orsubstituted heteroarylene described above in the organic substituentsare substituted with at least one substituent group. In otherembodiments, at least one or all of these groups are substituted with atleast one size-limited substituent group. Alternatively, at least one orall of these groups are substituted with at least one lower substituentgroup.

In other embodiments of the organic substituent, each substituted orunsubstituted alkyl is a substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, eachsubstituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl is a substituted orunsubstituted 2 to 20 membered heteroalkyl, each substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkyl is a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₈cycloalkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl is asubstituted or unsubstituted 3 to 8 membered heterocycloalkyl, eachsubstituted or unsubstituted alkylene is a substituted or unsubstitutedC₁-C₂₀ alkylene, each substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkylene is asubstituted or unsubstituted 2 to 20 membered heteroalkylene, eachsubstituted or unsubstituted cycloalkylene is a substituted orunsubstituted C₃-C₈ cycloalkylene, each substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkylene is a substituted or unsubstituted 3 to 8 memberedheterocycloalkylene.

In some embodiments, each substituted or unsubstituted alkyl is asubstituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl, each substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl is a substituted or unsubstituted 2 to 8membered heteroalkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl is asubstituted or unsubstituted C₅-C₇ cycloalkyl, each substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl is a substituted or unsubstituted 5 to 7membered heterocycloalkyl, each substituted or unsubstituted alkylene isa substituted or unsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkylene, and/or each substitutedor unsubstituted heteroalkylene is a substituted or unsubstituted 2 to 8membered heteroalkylene.

In some embodiments, the metal nanoparticle is less than 200 nm inlength in all dimensions. In some embodiments, the metal nanoparticle isless than 100 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, themetal nanoparticle is less than 50 nm in length in all dimensions. Inother embodiment, the metal nanoparticle is less than 25 nm in length inall dimensions. The metal nanoparticle may also be less than 10 nm inlength in all dimensions. In still other embodiments, the metalnanoparticle is less than 5 nm in length in all dimensions. Or the metalnanoparticle is less than 3 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, the metal nanoparticle is from about 1 μm to about 3 nm inlength in all dimensions. In some embodiments, the metal nanoparticle isfrom about 200 nm to about 5 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, the metal nanoparticle is from about 100 nm to about 10 nmin length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, the metal nanoparticleis from about 50 nm to about 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, the metal nanoparticle is from about 50 nm to about 10 nmin length in all dimensions.

In some embodiments, the metal nanoparticle has the formula

M-L¹-COOH  (II).

In Formula (II), L¹ is as defined above and M is a metal as definedabove.

In some embodiments, the organic substituents covalently bonded to themetal may be crosslinked. Crosslinking reactions are well known in theart. Crosslinking of the organic substituents typically require thatreactive functional groups be attached to the organic substituents. Thereactive functional groups can then be subjected to crosslinkingconditions that allow covalent bond formation at the reactive functionalgroup site of different organic substituents on a metal core tofacilitate crosslinking. In some embodiments, the crosslinkingconditions include the use of a crosslinking agent. Thus, in someembodiments, the metal nanoparticle has the formula:

M-L¹-R¹⁸  (III).

In Formula (III), R¹⁸ is a reactive functional group. M and L¹ are asdefined above.

A useful crosslinking agent can react with a reactive functional groupsuch as, for example, an amine, sulfhydryl, carboxylic acid, or aldehydegroup attached to an organic substituent as described above. Theresidues of certain useful crosslinking agents, such as, for example,difunctional gelatin hardeners, bisepoxides and bisisocyanates become apart of a linking group in a crosslink between organic substituentscovalently bonded to a metal, which is formed as a result of thecrosslinking reaction.

Other useful crosslinking agents facilitating the crosslinking include,for example, as consumable catalysts, and are not present in the finalconjugate. Examples of such crosslinking agents are carbodiimide andcarbamoylonium crosslinking agents as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.4,421,847, and the di-cation ethers of U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,724, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety for all purposes. With these crosslinking agents, one ofthe reactive functional groups is typically a carboxyl group and theother typically an amine or sulfhydryl group.

Additional reactive functional groups include, for example,semicarbazido; thiocarbazido; thiosemicarbazido; isocyanato andisothiocyanato; vinyl sulfonylalkyloxy; vinylsulfonylalkylpoly(oxyalkyl)oxy, such poly(oxyalkyl) portion preferablycomprising a poly(oxyethylene) group or apoly(oxyethylene)-co-poly(oxypropylene) copolymer group;amidatoalkyloxy; hydrazidoalkyloxy; azidocarbonylalkyloxy;aryloxycarbonyloxyalkyloxy; aryloxycarbonyl(polyoxyalkyl)oxy, suchpoly(oxyalkyl) portion preferably comprising a poly(oxyethylene) groupor a poly(oxyethylene)-co-poly(oxypropylene) copolymer group; triazinessuch as 4,6-dichloro-2-triazinylamino, 4,6-dichloro-2-triazinyloxy,4,6-dichlorotriazinyl-2-oxy(polyalkyloxy),4-alkoxy-6-chloro-2-triazinyloxy, and4-alkoxy-6-chloro-2-triazinyl(polyoxyalkyl)oxy, such a poly(oxyalkyl)portion preferably comprising a poly(oxyethylene) group or apoly(oxyethylene)-co-poly(oxypropylene)copolymer group; formylalkyl;aminoalkyl; active esters, for example, succinimidoxycarbonyl; activeanhydrides and mixed anhydrides; active carbonates such asarylcarbonatoaryl, alkylcarbonatoaryl, arylcarbonatoalkyl, andalkylcarbonatoalkyl, and the aryl groups of which are preferablycomprised of a six membered ring containing electron withdrawingsubstituents such as, for example, nitro and halogen, and optionallycontaining water solubilizing groups such as a sulfonate salt;sulfhydryl; sulfhydrylalkyl; thioalkylcarbonylaminoalkyloxy;maleimidoalkylcarbonylaminoalkyloxy; azido; iodoalkylcarbonylamino;amidatoalkylamino; and amidatoarylalkylamino.

The reactive functional group copolymers, such as those listed above,may be of any appropriate length. For example, copolymers may includefrom 2 to 1000 monomeric units (e.g. 2 to 1000 carbon atoms in an alkylor alkylene polymer, 2 to 1000 monomeric oxyalkylene units in apoly(oxyethylene)-co-poly(oxypropylene) copolymer group, or anaryloxycarbonyloxyalkyloxy; aryloxycarbonyl(polyoxyalkyl)oxy). In otherembodiments, the copolymers may include from 2 to 100 monomeric units or2 to 20 monomeric units.

The crosslinking agents, reactions, and functional reactive groups setforth above are equally applicable to reactions designed to attach themetal nanoparticles to additional compounds or compositions as set forthherein.

In addition to crosslinking between different organic substituentscovalently bound to the same metal core, different organic substituentsattached to different metal cores may also be crosslinked. This processleads to two or more metal nanoparticles that are covalently linkedtogether. The covalently linked nanoparticles may be referred to hereinas metal polynanoparticles.

In some embodiment, where the organic substituent is substantially watersoluble, the metal nanoparticle is substantially water soluble.

Thus, in some embodiments the metal nanoparticles form a portion of apolymer. The metal nanoparticles may be incorporated within an existingpolymer or may be employed in synthesizing a polymer. For example, insome embodiments, a metal nanoparticle may be incorporated within anexisting polyethylene, polyisoprene, butadiene derived, Sorbothane®(e.g. high density polyurethane) or nitrile butadiene derived (e.g.rubber) product (e.g. gloves) or may be added via chemical additionduring a polymerization reaction used to form the rubber product. Thepolymer may be of any appropriate size or length. In some cases, thepolymer contains over 10,000,000 monomeric units (i.e. an ultra highmolecular weight polymer). In related embodiments, the polymer includesat least 100,000 monomeric units. In some embodiments, the polymerincludes at least 1,000 monomeric units.

III. Metal Nanopowders

In another aspect, a metal nanopowder is provided. A nanopowder is anassembly of a plurality of nanoparticles. In some embodiments, thenanopowder is in at least approximately dry form. The metal nanopowderprovided herein includes a plurality of the metal nanoparticlesdescribed in the previous section entitled Metal Nanoparticles. Thus,the characteristics described above for metal nanoparticles are equallyapplicable to the metal nanoparticles that form the metal nanopowdersdescribed herein.

The plurality of nanoparticles that form the metal nanopowder aretypically substantially monodisperse. The phrase “substantiallymonodisperse,” as used herein, refers to a plurality of objects in whicha defined portion of particles have a defined size dimension within adefined range or limit. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are less than 1 μm in lengthin all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are less than 200 nm inlength in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are less than 100 nm inlength in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are less than 50 nm in lengthin all dimensions. In other embodiments, at least 50% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are less than 25 nm in lengthin all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are less than 10 nm in lengthin all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are less than 5 nm in lengthin all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are less than 3 nm in lengthin all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are from about 1 μm to about3 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 50% ofthe metal nanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are from about 200nm to about 5 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, atleast 50% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder arefrom about 100 nm to about 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 50% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 50 nm to about 25 nm in length in alldimensions. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the metal nanoparticlesforming the metal nanopowder are from about 50 nm to about 10 nm inlength in all dimensions.

In some embodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 200 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 50 nm in length in all dimensions. In otherembodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 5 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 3 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 1 μm to about 3 nm in length in alldimensions. In some embodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticlesforming the metal nanopowder are from about 200 nm to about 5 nm inlength in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 60% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are from about 100 nm toabout 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least60% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are fromabout 50 nm to about 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 50 nm to about 10 nm in length in alldimensions.

In some embodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 200 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 50 nm in length in all dimensions. In otherembodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 5 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 3 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 1 μm to about 3 nm in length in alldimensions. In some embodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticlesforming the metal nanopowder are from about 200 nm to about 5 nm inlength in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 70% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are from about 100 nm toabout 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least70% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are fromabout 50 nm to about 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 70% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 50 nm to about 10 nm in length in alldimensions.

In some embodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 200 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 50 nm in length in all dimensions. In otherembodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 5 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 3 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 1 μm to about 3 nm in length in alldimensions. In some embodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticlesforming the metal nanopowder are from about 200 nm to about 5 nm inlength in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 80% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are from about 100 nm toabout 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least80% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are fromabout 50 nm to about 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 80% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 50 nm to about 10 nm in length in alldimensions.

In some embodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions. Inother embodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 200 nm in length in all dimensions. Insome embodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions. Insome embodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 50 nm in length in all dimensions. Inother embodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 25 nm in length in all dimensions. Insome embodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 10 nm in length in all dimensions. Insome embodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 5 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 3 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 1 μm to about 3 nm in length in alldimensions. In some embodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticlesforming the metal nanopowder are from about 200 nm to about 5 nm inlength in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 90% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are from about 100 nm toabout 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least90% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are fromabout 50 nm to about 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 90% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 50 nm to about 10 nm in length in alldimensions.

In some embodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions. Inother embodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 200 nm in length in all dimensions. Insome embodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions. Insome embodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 50 nm in length in all dimensions. Inother embodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 25 nm in length in all dimensions. Insome embodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 10 nm in length in all dimensions. Insome embodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticles forming themetal nanopowder are less than 5 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 3 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 1 μm to about 3 nm in length in alldimensions. In some embodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticlesforming the metal nanopowder are from about 200 nm to about 5 nm inlength in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 95% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are from about 100 nm toabout 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least95% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are fromabout 50 nm to about 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, at least 95% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 50 nm to about 10 nm in length in alldimensions.

In other embodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions. In otherembodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 200 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 50 nm in length in all dimensions. In otherembodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 5 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are less than 3 nm in length in all dimensions. In someembodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticles forming the metalnanopowder are from about 1 μm to about 3 nm in length in alldimensions. In some embodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticles formingthe metal nanopowder are from about 200 nm to about 5 nm in length inall dimensions. In some embodiments, 100% of the metal nanoparticlesforming the metal nanopowder are from about 100 nm to about 10 nm inlength in all dimensions. In some embodiments, 100% of the metalnanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are from about 50 nm to about25 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, 100% of themetal nanoparticles forming the metal nanopowder are from about 50 nm toabout 10 nm in length in all dimensions.

In some embodiments, the metal nanopowders include metal nanoparticlesin which two or more different organic substituents on the metal coreare crosslinked. In other embodiments, the metal nanopowders include oneor more metal polynanoparticles, as described above.

IV. Radiation Shields

In another aspect, radiation shields are provided. A “radiation shield,”as used herein, refers to a device placed between an article (e.g. aninanimate object such as a radiation sensitive device or material), abiological subject (e.g. a mammal such as a human) or biomatter (e.g.tissue derived from a mammal such as a human) and a radiation source inorder to block or reduce radiation exposure of the article, subject orbiomatter from the radiation source. Examples of non-living or inanimateobject articles include, but are not limited to, a human cadaver,electronic componentry for use in land, sea, air, and space basedapplications such as satellites, military and defense systems, energymonitoring systems, public and private sector research equipment,medical measurement equipment, and so forth.

The radiation shields provided herein may block or reduce radiationexposure across the entire spectrum of radiation, including for exampleradiation emanating from medical equipment, military weaponry, and cellphones. In some embodiments, the radiation shields provided herein mayalternatively block or reduce radiation exposure across a select orparticular spectrum range as a high-pass, low-pass, band-pass orselective notch filter with varying orders of attenuation including, butnot limited to, first, second, third and forth order as well asnon-linear attenuation-energy/frequency relationships. The radiationshields provided herein include a metal nanoparticle as described abovein the section entitled Metal Nanoparticles, the characteristics ofwhich are equally applicable to the metal nanoparticles used in theradiation shields provided herein. Thus, in some embodiments theradiation shield includes a metal nanopowder as described in the sectionentitled Metal Nanopowders, the characteristics of which are equallyapplicable to the metal nanoparticles used in the radiation shieldsprovided herein. The smaller diameter of the particle may, in someembodiments, represent a higher effective attenuation ability toradiation relative to the packing density, or mass, of the finalattenuation material and/or product.

In some embodiments, the radiation shield includes a metal nanoparticleincluding a metal core and an outer layer encompassing the metal core.The outer layer includes a plurality of organic substituents bonded(e.g. covalently bonded) to the metal core. The metal nanoparticle isless than 1 μm (e.g. 200 nm) in length in all dimensions. Other sizelimited embodiments of the metal nanoparticle are described above andare equally applicable to the metal nanoparticles that at leastpartially form the radiation shields described herein.

In some embodiments, the radiation shield is lead-free (i.e. either doesnot include any lead or does not include an amount of lead effective inreducing or blocking radiation).

The radiation shield may be a personal radiation shield. A personalradiation shield refers to a device placed between a subject (e.g. ahuman) and a radiation source in order to block or reduce radiationexposure of the subject from the radiation source. The personalradiation shield may be used to shield radiation (i.e. reduce radiationexposure) from any appropriate radiation source, including for example acell phone, a medical device, or equipment used in aerospaceapplications (e.g. shielding from assorted E&M in aerospace and spaceapplications for both material (electronics, mechanical) protection aswell as protection of humans and biomatter).

The radiation shield may be provided in a wide variety of forms,including for example, a blanket, head covering, foot covering, handcovering, an undergarment, an injection molded product, or an extrudedproduct. The radiation shield (especially a personal radiation shield)may include a non-woven material, a fiber material, a film, a filament,or a woven material.

V. Additional Metal Nanoparticle and Nanopowder Utilities

In addition to radiation shields, the nanoparticles and a nanopowdersdisclosed herein may be used in a wide range of devices. For example,the nanoparticles and nanopowders may be incorporated into abrasivesolids, ceramics, surface coatings, intrinsic dielectrics, and devicesfor ballistic protection (e.g. bullet proof vests). The nanoparticlesand nanopowders may be pressed, modified, or otherwise integrated into afabric or other existing structures (such as Kevlar, fiberglass, etc.).

Resulting products containing the nanoparticles and/or nanopowders canbe used as an additive for trauma reduction.

Polymer (e.g. rubber) products containing the nanoparticles ornanopowders may be molded into functional and non-functional goods suchas gloves, gas masks, gasketting for assorted garments and other sealingand non-sealing applications. The materials may be advantageous forapplications such as patient protection during CT-scan procedures.

Products containing the nanoparticles or nanopowders are additionallyadvantageous for use in production equipment (extrusion, etc.) to lessenstrain, abrasion, and overall wear and tear. The small nanoparticle sizealso broadens the size-regime over which extrusion, spinners andspinnerets, etc. can be utilized for pre and post production.

In addition, the nanoparticles or nanopowders may be added to creams,gels, liquid supports, etc. such as sunscreen.

In another aspect, a method is provided for making a metal nanoparticle.The method allows for a substantial increase in overall relevant packingdensity, here increasing the overall active particle surface area as afunction of mass density. The provided method allows for nanoparticleshaving an exceptionally high surface area to volume (volume here isproportional to mass) thereby increasing the overall radiationattenuation capabilities as an overall function of mass.

VI. Methods of Making Metal Nanoparticles

In another aspect, a method is provided for making a metal nanoparticleor a plurality of metal nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the methodfor making a plurality of metal nanoparticles comprises the step ofcontacting a metal with a diazonium compound substituted with an organicsubstituent. In some embodiments, the method for making a plurality ofmetal nanoparticles comprises the step of allowing the metal to reactwith the diazonium compound thereby forming a metal nanoparticle (or aplurality of nanoparticles, such as a nanopowder). In some embodiments,the metal nanoparticle (or the plurality of metal nanoparticles)includes a metal core and an outer layer encompassing the metal core. Insome embodiments, the outer layer includes a plurality of the organicsubstituents bonded (e.g. covalently bonded) to the metal core. In someembodiments, the method for making a plurality of metal nanoparticlescomprises the steps of (a) contacting a metal with a diazonium compoundsubstituted with an organic substituent; and (b) allowing the metal toreact with the diazonium compound thereby forming a plurality of metalnanoparticles wherein the plurality of metal nanoparticles comprises ametal core and an outer layer encompassing the core, the outer layercomprising a plurality of organic substituents covalently bonded to themetal core, wherein at least 50% of the plurality of metal nanoparticlesare less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions. Thus, in someembodiments, the characteristics of the metal nanoparticles set forthabove are equally applicable to the metal nanoparticles and plurality ofmetal nanoparticles made using the methods set forth herein.

In some embodiments, the method for making a plurality of metalnanoparticles includes the step of contacting a metal with a pluralityof diazonium compounds substituted with an organic substituent. In someembodiments, the method for making a plurality of metal nanoparticlescomprises the step of allowing the metal to react with the plurality ofdiazonium compounds thereby forming a metal nanoparticles (or aplurality of nanoparticles, such as a nanopowder). In some embodiments,the method for making a plurality of metal nanoparticles comprises thesteps of (a) contacting a metal with a plurality of diazonium compoundssubstituted with an organic substituent; and (b) allowing the metal toreact with the plurality of diazonium compounds thereby forming aplurality of metal nanoparticles wherein the plurality of metalnanoparticles comprises a metal core and an outer layer encompassing thecore, the outer layer comprising a plurality of organic substituentscovalently bonded to the metal core, wherein at least 50% of theplurality of metal nanoparticles are less than 1 μm in length in alldimensions. Thus, in some embodiments, the characteristics of the metalnanoparticles set forth above are equally applicable to the metalnanoparticles and plurality of metal nanoparticles made using themethods set forth herein.

The metal may be in any appropriate form. In some embodiments, the metalis a bulk material of any appropriate dimension. Thus, the methodsprovided herein allow one of skill to proceed from the macroscopic tomicroscopic level thereby increasing the surface area of the subjectmetal. The increased surface area provides advantages for a wide arrayof applications, including for example increased packing density andthus superior radiation attenuation.

In some embodiments, the metal is in the form of metal granules. Wherethe metal is in the form of metal granules, the method results in aplurality of metal nanoparticles. In some embodiments, the method formaking a plurality of metal nanoparticles comprises the step ofcontacting metal granules (or a plurality of metal granules) with adiazonium compound substituted with an organic substituent. In someembodiments, the method for making a plurality of metal nanoparticlescomprises the step of allowing the metal granules (or the plurality ofmetal granules) to react with the diazonium compound thereby forming ametal nanoparticle (or a plurality of nanoparticles, such as ananopowder). In some embodiments, each of the metal nanoparticlesincludes a metal core and an outer layer encompassing the metal core. Insome embodiments, the outer layer includes a plurality of the organicsubstituents bonded (e.g. covalently bonded) to the metal core. In someembodiments, the method for making a plurality of metal nanoparticlescomprises the steps of (a) contacting metal granules with a diazoniumcompound substituted with an organic substituent; and (b) allowing themetal granules to react with the diazonium compound thereby forming aplurality of metal nanoparticles wherein the plurality of metalnanoparticles comprises a metal core and an outer layer encompassing thecore, the outer layer comprising a plurality of organic substituentscovalently bonded to the metal core, wherein at least 50% of theplurality of metal nanoparticles are less than 1 μm in length in alldimensions. Thus, in some embodiments, the characteristics of the metalnanoparticles set forth above are equally applicable to the metalnanoparticles made using the methods set forth herein.

In some embodiments, the method for making a plurality of metalnanoparticles includes the step of contacting metal granules (or aplurality of metal granules) with a plurality of diazonium compoundssubstituted with an organic substituent. In some embodiments, the methodfor making a plurality of metal nanoparticles comprises the step ofallowing the metal granules (or the plurality of metal granules) toreact with the plurality of diazonium compounds thereby forming a metalnanoparticles (or a plurality of nanoparticles, such as a nanopowder).In some embodiments, the method for making a plurality of metalnanoparticles comprises the steps of (a) contacting metal granules witha plurality of diazonium compounds substituted with an organicsubstituent; and (b) allowing the metal granules to react with theplurality of diazonium compounds thereby forming a plurality of metalnanoparticles wherein the plurality of metal nanoparticles comprises ametal core and an outer layer encompassing the core, the outer layercomprising a plurality of organic substituents covalently bonded to themetal core, wherein at least 50% of the plurality of metal nanoparticlesare less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions. Thus, in someembodiments, the characteristics of the metal nanoparticles set forthabove are equally applicable to the metal nanoparticles and plurality ofmetal nanoparticles made using the methods set forth herein.

The plurality of metal nanoparticles produced using this method aresubstantially monodisperse. The monodispersion characteristics of metalnanopowders described above the section entitled Metal Nanopowders areequally applicable to the plurality of metal nanoparticles made by themethods disclosed herein. Although those characteristics will not berepeated in full here, it is noted that in some embodiments, at least50% of the plurality of metal nanoparticles produced by methods setforth herein are less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions. In otherembodiments, at least 50% of the plurality of metal nanoparticlesproduced by methods set forth herein are less than 200 nm in length inall dimensions. In other embodiments, at least 60% of the plurality ofmetal nanoparticles produced by methods set forth herein are less than100 nm in length in all dimensions. In other embodiments, at least 70%of the plurality of metal nanoparticles produced by methods set forthherein are less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions. In otherembodiments, at least 80% of the plurality of metal nanoparticlesproduced by methods set forth herein are less than 100 nm in length inall dimensions. In other embodiments, at least 90% of the plurality ofmetal nanoparticles produced by methods set forth herein are less than100 nm in length in all dimensions. In other embodiments, at least 95%of the plurality of metal nanoparticles produced by methods set forthherein are less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions. In otherembodiments, 100% of the plurality of metal nanoparticles produced bymethods set forth herein are less than 100 nm in length in alldimensions. In other embodiments, at least 90% of the plurality of metalnanoparticles produced by methods set forth herein is less than 50 nm inlength in all dimensions. In other embodiments, at least 90% of theplurality of metal nanoparticles produced by methods set forth herein isless than 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In other embodiments, atleast 90% of the plurality of metal nanoparticles produced by methodsset forth herein is less than 10 nm in length in all dimensions. Inother embodiments, at least 90% of the plurality of metal nanoparticlesproduced by methods set forth herein is less than 5 nm in length in alldimensions. at least 90% of the plurality of metal nanoparticlesproduced by methods set forth herein is less than 3 nm in length in alldimensions. In some embodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticlesproduced by methods set forth herein are from about less than 1 μm toabout less than 3 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments,at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles produced by methods set forthherein are from about less than 200 nm to about less than 5 nm in lengthin all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least 60% of the metalnanoparticles produced by methods set forth herein are from about lessthan 100 nm to about less than 10 nm in length in all dimensions. Insome embodiments, at least 60% of the metal nanoparticles produced bymethods set forth herein are from about less than 50 nm to about lessthan 25 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, at least60% of the metal nanoparticles produced by methods set forth herein arefrom about less than 50 nm to about less than 10 nm in length in alldimensions.

In some embodiments, the metal and/or the metal core includes orconsists entirely of a metal selected from the group consisting ofgermanium, antimony, polonium, tellurium, scandium, yttrium, lanthanum,actinium, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, rutherfordium, niobium, dubnium,chromium, molybdenum, seaborgium, manganese, technetium, rhenium,bohrium, ruthenium, osmium, hassium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium,meitnerium, palladium, platinum, darmstadtium, copper, silver,roentgenium, zinc, cadmium, mercury, indium, gallium, thallium,ununbium, tungsten, gold, aluminum, bismuth, iron, vanadium, nickel,palladium, tin, lead, tantalum, and uranium. In some embodiments, themetal is tungsten, germanium, gold, aluminum, bismuth, iron, vanadium,silver, nickel, palladium, tin, lead, tantalum, copper, or uranium. Insome embodiments, the metal is gold. In some embodiments, the metal issilver. In some embodiments, the metal is aluminum. In some embodiments,the metal is iron. In some embodiments, the metal is iron-oxide. In someembodiments, the metal is copper. In some embodiments, the metal isgermanium. In some embodiments, the metal is tungsten core. In someembodiments, the metal and the metal core consist of tungsten. In someembodiments, the metal granules and the metal core include or consistentirely of tungsten. In some embodiments, the metal granules and themetal core consist of tungsten.

In some embodiments, where the metal is in the form of metal granules,the metal granules are less than about 100 μm in length in alldimensions. In other embodiments, the metal granules are less than about50 μm in length in all dimensions. In other embodiments, the metalgranules are less than about 25 μm in length in all dimensions. In otherembodiments, the metal granules are less than about 10 μm in length inall dimensions. In some embodiments, the metal granules are from about 1μm to about 3 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, themetal granules are from about 200 nm to about 5 nm in length in alldimensions. In some embodiments, the metal granules are from about 100nm to about 10 nm in length in all dimensions. In some embodiments, themetal granules are from about 50 nm to about 25 nm in length in alldimensions. In some embodiments, the metal granules are from about 50 nmto about 10 nm in length in all dimensions.

The nature of the interaction between the organic substituents and themetal core are described above in the context of metal nanoparticles andare equally applicable to the metal nanoparticles synthesized using themethods described herein. For example, the plurality of organicsubstituents may be covalently bonded to the metal core through acarbon-metal covalent bond.

Moreover, the characteristics of the organic substituents describedabove in the section entitled Metal Nanoparticles are equally applicableto the plurality of organic substituents that form part of the metalnanoparticles synthesized using the methods described herein. Forexample, the plurality of organic substituents may be selected from thegroup consisting of substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.

In some embodiments, a diazonium compound used in the methods presentedherein has the formula R¹⁷—N₂ ⁺ where R¹⁷ is an organic substituent (asdescribed above in the section entitled Metal Nanoparticles). Thus, R¹⁷may be a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, a substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, asubstituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, a substituted orunsubstituted aryl, or a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. R¹⁷may also have the structure of Formula (I) above. In some embodiments,R¹⁷ is a substituted or unsubstituted porphyrin moiety optionally bondedwith a porphyrin metal.

The specific diazonium compound used will depend upon thecharacteristics desired for the organic substituents covalently bondedto the metal core. In some embodiments, the organic substituent of thediazonium compound will be limited to increase effective mass loading,lower reagent cost, and/or attain higher chemical stability. Thus, insome embodiments the organic substituent is a substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₂₀ alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted 2 to 20membered heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₃-C₈ cycloalkyl, asubstituted or unsubstituted 3 to 8 membered heterocycloalkyl, asubstituted or unsubstituted monocyclic aryl, or a substituted orunsubstituted monocyclic heteroaryl.

In other embodiments, the organic substituent is a substituted orunsubstituted C₁-C₈ alkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted 2 to 8membered heteroalkyl, a substituted or unsubstituted C₅-C₇ cycloalkyl, asubstituted or unsubstituted 5 to 7 membered heterocycloalkyl, asubstituted or unsubstituted monocyclic aryl, or a substituted orunsubstituted monocyclic heteroaryl.

In embodiments related to the previous two paragraphs, each substitutedgroup described above for the organic substituent is substituted withleast one size-limited substituent group. Alternatively, at least one orall of these groups are substituted with at least one lower substituentgroup.

In some embodiments, the organic substituent has the structure ofFormula (I). In related embodiments, L¹ is an unsubstituted alkylene. Infurther related embodiments, L¹ is an unsubstituted C₁ to C₁₀ alkylene.

In some embodiments, the organic substituent is butyric acid. Thus, insome embodiments, the diazonium compound is diazobutyric acid (e.g.γ-diazobutyric acid).

The diazonium compound may be synthesized using any appropriate method.In some embodiments, an organic substituent having an amino group (alsoreferred to herein as an amine-diazonium precursor) is reacted with analkali nitrite salt, such as a cesium or sodium nitrite. For example,where the amine-diazonium precursor has the formula H₂N-L¹-COOH, thediazonium compound having the formula N₂ ⁺-L¹-COOH may be formed bycontacting the amine-diazonium precursor with a nitrite salt (e.g.sodium nitrite). In some embodiments, the amine-diazonium precursor isγ-amino butyric acid, the nitrite salt is sodium nitrite, and thediazonium compound is diazo-butyric acid.

In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the amine-diazonium precursor(e.g. γ-amino butyric acid) to the nitrite salt is from about 1:1 toabout 1:2. In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the amine-diazoniumprecursor (e.g. γ-amino butyric acid) to the nitrite salt is about 1:1.

In some embodiments, the reaction of the amine-diazonium precursor withthe alkali nitrite salt occurs in the presence of a metal (e.g. metalgranules). Without being bound by any particular mechanism of action, itis believed that the diazonium compounds, once formed, etch the metalinto small metal particles thereby exposing increased metal surface areato the metal reaction with the diazonium compound to form the carbonmetal bond between the organic substituent and the metal core. In otherembodiments, the concentration of the amine-diazonium precursor (e.g.γ-amino butyric acid) is no more than about 0.1 M. In other embodiments,the concentration of the alkali nitrite salt (e.g. sodium nitrite) is nomore than about 0.1 M. In some embodiments, the concentration of themetal (e.g. tungsten) is no more than about 0.02 M.

In some embodiments, the molar ratio of the amine-diazonium precursor orthe alkali nitrite salt to the metal at the start of the reaction isfrom about 1:1 to about 10:1. In other embodiments, the molar ratio ofthe amine-diazonium precursor or the alkali nitrite salt to the metal atthe start of the reaction is from about 2:1 to about 7:1. In otherembodiments, the molar ratio of the amine-diazonium precursor or thealkali nitrite salt to the metal at the start of the reaction is fromabout 3:1 to about 5:1. In other embodiments, the molar ratio of theamine-diazonium precursor or the alkali nitrite salt to the metal at thestart of the reaction is about 4:1 or about 5:1.

In some embodiments, where the amine-diazonium precursor is combinedwith the nitrite salt and metal, the amine-diazonium precursor is firstadded to an acidic solution. Where the amine-diazonium precursor iswater soluble, the acidic solution is an aqueous acidic solution.

The aqueous solution including the amine-diazonium precursor may beseparately combined with the metal prior to contact with the alkalinitrite salt. Thus, in some embodiments, an aqueous acidic solutionincluding the amine-diazonium precursor and the metal is contacted withan aqueous solution including the alkali nitrite salt (i.e. an aqueoussodium nitrite salt solution). The metal nanoparticle thus formed mayprecipitate out of solution, typically by adjusting the pH to theappropriate level using an appropriate base.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Ofcourse, variations on those preferred embodiments will become apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoingdescription. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ suchvariations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention tobe practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly,this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The referenced patents, patent applications, and scientific literature,referred to herein are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety as if each individual publication, patent or patent applicationwere specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated byreference. Any conflict between any reference cited herein and thespecific teachings of this specification shall be resolved in favor ofthe latter. Likewise, any conflict between an art-understood definitionof a word or phrase and a definition of the word or phrase asspecifically taught in this specification shall be resolved in favor ofthe latter.

Moreover, the characteristics of the metal nanoparticles, including theorganic substituents, recited in the methods (e.g. the methods of makingthe metal nanoparticles) are equally applicable to the compositions(e.g. the metal nanoparticles, the metal nanopowders and the radiationshields) and vice versa. And the characteristics of the metalnanoparticles, including the organic substituents, recited in aparticular composition (e.g. the metal nanoparticles) are equallyapplicable to the other compositions (e.g. the metal nanopowders and theradiation shields).

As can be appreciated from the disclosure above, the present inventionhas a wide variety of applications. While each of the elements of thepresent invention is described herein as containing multipleembodiments, it should be understood that, unless indicated otherwise,each of the embodiments of a given element of the present invention iscapable of being used with each of the embodiments of the other elementsof the present invention and each such use is intended to form adistinct embodiment of the present invention. The invention is furtherillustrated by the following examples, which are only illustrative andare not intended to limit the definition and scope of the invention inany way.

VII. Examples

The below examples are meant to illustrate specific embodiments of themethods and compositions described herein and should not be construed aslimiting the scope of the invention in any way.

Example 1 Production Of Tungsten Nanoparticles

Molar Masses: Tungsten: ˜184 g/mol; GABA (γ-amino butyric acid): ˜103g/mol; Sodium Nitrite: ˜69 g/mol.

Concentrated (10 M) HCl was added to water thereby diluting to aconcentration of 2M. For every 1 gram of tungsten, 109 ml of water and27 ml of concentrated HCl was used. A total volume of ˜10 ml wasmeasured with a graduated cylinder or volumetric pipette, and placed ina 50 ml Erlenmeyer flask containing a Teflon coated stir bar.

GABA was added to the diluted HCl solution to a concentration of 0.2 M,being measured with a 0.0001 g accuracy scale, and chilled, with anice-salt bath, to a temperature below 0° C. For every 1 grams oftungsten, 2.8 grams of GABA was used.

Fine grain metallic tungsten was added to the GABA/HCl—H₂O solution at aconcentration of 0.04 M (here 1 gram).

In a separate container, water was measured to a volume of approximately⅕ that of the GABA solution and placed in a flask or beaker. Sodiumnitrite was added to a concentration slightly larger than 1 M (i.e. 1.1M), also being measured with a 0.0001 g accuracy scale, and chilled inthe same ice-salt bath. For every 1 gram of tungsten, 1.9 grams ofsodium nitrite was added to 27.2 ml of water.

While chilling, the sodium nitrite solution was slowly added to theGABA/tungsten solution while stirring vigorously in a well-ventilatedarea. Stirring was continued until nitrous gas evolution was no longerobserved.

The solution was decanted, leaving behind any un-reacted tungsten. NaOHwas added to a 2 M equivalent. For every 1 gram of tungsten, 11 grams ofNaOH solid was added slowly and the tungsten nanoparticle precipitatewas collected. The product tungsten nanoparticles are illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2. A preferred reaction scheme is shown in FIG. 3.

In sum, for every 1 gram of tungsten processed, the following amountswere used: 2.8 grams GABA in 136 ml of 2 M HCl solution (along with the1 gram of tungsten); 1.9 grams Sodium Nitrite in 27.2 ml of water; 11grams of NaOH.

Some experiments were performed at a 5:1 molar ratio of GABA and sodiumnitrite to tungsten in a 2 M HCl solution. The maximum preferredconcentration of the GABA is about 0.1 M, as with the sodium nitrite,making the maximum concentration of tungsten about 0.02 M.

The exemplary method of producing tungsten naoparticles described aboveproduced nanoparticles of less than 200 nm (nano to colloidal) particleswith a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of butyric acid molecules.

The tungsten-carbon bond is known to be especially strong and stable andthe carboxylic group, facing outwards from the particle, is awell-characterized functional group that lends itself well topolymerization as well as solubility in polar solvents.

Without being bound by theory, the process is believed to occur byrapidly etching sub-5 μm particles by rapidly exposing them to thehighly reactive γ-diazobutyric acid, formed by reacting γ-aminobutyricacid with sodium nitrite in a 1 to 2 M HCl aqueous solution:

The highly reactive diazo species etch the tungsten into water-solublemolecular species, in the above example, sub-200 nm in scale based onvarious sources. Approximately 1.1 molar equivalents of sodium nitriterelative to the γ-aminobutyric acid was used to ensure full and rapidconversion. Full solubilization of the initially macroscopic tungstenparticles has been obtained, e.g., at a diazo-W ratio of approximately5:1. Although production of the diazo species in the presence oftungsten powder will likely push this value closer to thestoichiometrically expected value of 1:1.

Without being bound by theory, it is assumed that the majority of theexcess diazo species reactive with each other before being able tocombine with the tungsten due to both: a) the zero oxidationstate/steric hindrance of the tungsten surface and; b) the exceptionallylow stability and high reactivity associated with diazo-alkane species(they are very short lived and not available commercially.) It is alsopossible that the diazo species reacts with the carboxylic end-group ofother molecules competitively.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the process described abovewill work with any diazo species. For the purposes of radiation opacity,however, a smaller diazo species is preferred due to the highereffective mass loading, lower reagent cost, and the typically higherchemical stability associated with the shorter chain alkanes.

Example 2 Melt Mixing and Post-Processing of Nanoparticles in Polymer

Applicants melt mixed polymer and tungsten nanoparticles (or nanopowder)at 200° C. in their custom made miniature mixers, Miniature Batch Mixer(MBM; FIG. 4A) and the Alberta Polymer Assymmeetric Minimixer (APAM;FIG. 4B). The effects of nanoparticle concentration, mixing time, mixingtemperature and mixer type were investigated for the mixing experiments.It was found that the MBM is easier than the APAM for feeding andprocessing the materials. The maximum loading of the tungsten particleswas found to be around 85 wt % in the MBM. The ThermogravimetricAnalysis (TGA) showed that the weight loss of the tungsten powderstarted at 130° C., however, the process was slow and the total weightloss at 550° C. was only 5.3%. On the other hand, the TGA thermograms ofthe composites indicated that there were two transition temperatures,which were around 384° C. and 470° C., respectively. It was also foundthat the residues of the composites were much less compared to the totalamount of tungsten powders used in the mixing experiments. Selectedcomposites were molded in a hot press into a rectangular sheet (L×W×H42×25×1 mm) at 180° C. Details are provided below.

(A) Materials

Materials used for the mixing and post-processing of nanoparticles inpolymer experiments were provided by Radiation Shield Technologies (RST,Coral Gables, Fla. 33134, USA). The materials were polymer resin andtungsten nanoparticles (or nanopowder). The polymer pellets (flat andround in shape) are transparent and elastic at room temperature. Thetypical processing temperature for the polymer resin is 180-200° C. Thetungsten particles have a light yellowish color, which are fluffy inair. The density of the resin is 0.9 g/cm³ and the bulk density of thepowder is around 1.5 g/cm³ at 25° C.

(B) Melt Mixing

FIG. 3 shows the two miniature mixers used for melt mixing of thepolymer and the nanoparticles. The first mixer, MBM, is a 3 cm³miniature batch mixer (FIG. 4 a), consisting of two counter-rotatingroller blades in a dual-cylindrical cavity. The second miniature mixer,APAM (FIG. 4 b), is composed of a unique asymmetric rotor and acylindrical chamber with a capacity of 2.2 cm³. The fill volume of thepolymer and the particles in the mixers was 75 vol %, which was based onan estimation density of the resin, 0.8 g/cm³ at 200° C. and the bulkdensity of the particles, 1.5 g/cm³. Table 1 lists the experimentsperformed in the mixers.

TABLE 1 Melt Mixing Experiments Tungsten Tungsten Rotation Mixing MixingPowder Powder Mixer Speed Time Temp. Exp. # (vol %) (wt %) Type (RPM)(min) (° C.) Note 1 25 38.5 MBM 100 10 200 Effect on 2 50 65.2 MBM 10010 200 conc. 3 60 73.8 MBM 100 10 200 4 75 84.9 MBM 100 10 200 5 50 65.2MBM 100 20 200 Effect of 6 50 65.2 MBM 50 20 200 mixing time 7 50 65.2MBM 100 10 220 Effect of 8 50 65.2 MBM 50 10 220 mixing temp. 9 50 65.2APAM 50 20 200 Different 10 50 65.2 APAM 100 10 200 Type of Mixer 11 5065.2 MBM 50 20 200 Repeat #6 12 50 65.2 MBM 100 10 200 Repeat #2 13 5065.2 APAM 100 10 200 Repeat #10

Before feeding the materials into the mixers, the appropriate mass ofpolymer pellets and the nanoparticles was weighed and then the twomaterials were premixed with a small spatula. The feeding of thematerials through the chute to the MBM was slow, and took around 1.5 to2.0 min. After mixing at the specified temperature, rotation speed andmixing time, the composites were quickly frozen in liquid nitrogen forat least fifteen minutes and then collected for furthercharacterizations and tests. As the concentration of the nanoparticleincreased, the composite product became less elastic. At around 85 wt %,the materials appeared to be quite rigid and the exchange of materialsbetween the two rotors in MBM was difficult. A flat stagnant surface wasobserved at this concentration when the chute ram of the MBM was opened,i.e., the materials were stuck at the top of the rotors. For the mixingexperiments done in the MBM, the effects of other experimentalparameters, such as the mixing time, temperature and rotation speed, didnot show much difference for the appearance of the final product.However, when changing the mixer from MBM to APAM, the initial feedingof materials into the APAM cup became much more difficult because of thesmall volume of the cup and the bulkiness of the powders.

The maximum load of the nanoparticles was also studied by increasing theconcentration stepwise in the MBM. For step 1, one 50 vol % compositewas mixed at 200° C., 100 rpm and 10 min (same condition as run #2 inTable 1). This first composite was cut into 2-3 mm pellets after beingfrozen in the liquid nitrogen. These pellets were then mixed withtungsten powder in step 2 to increase loading to 70 vol %. For step 3,the sample collected from step 2 was further mixed with thenanoparticles to an increased concentration of 80 vol %, which isequivalent to 88.2 wt % of nanopowder. The mixing for step 3 was poorsince no material exchange between the rotors was observed, and theproduct from step 3 showed a mixture of powdery and cohesive texture. Nohigher loading experiment could be done above this concentration. Basedon this set of experiments, the maximum loading of the tungsten powderin the MBM was 88.2 wt %.

(C) TGA Analysis

TGA analysis was performed with STP 409PC LUXX thermogravimetricanalyzer (NETZSCH). The experiments were run from 30° C. to 550° C. at10° C./min under nitrogen environment. FIG. 5 shows the thermograms ofthe tungsten powders and selected composites, Sample #4, #5, #6 and #7(note that the sample number corresponds to the melt mixing experimentsshown in Table 1). The tungsten nanopowder shows gradual reduction inweight with increasing temperature, and the residual mass at 550° C. is94.7%. However, for the composites, there are two transitiontemperatures for weight loss as seen in the thermograms. Here, thetransition temperature is defined as the onset temperature of weightloss, which is obtained from the thermogram as illustrated in FIG. 6.

Table 2 summarizes the residue mass and the onset temperature of weightloss. The two onset temperatures for the composites studied are similar,which are around 384° C. and 470° C., respectively. The TGA thermogramsfor sample #5 and #6 are very close, in which the tungsten contents arethe same, but the rotation speed is different for these two samples,indicating that there is little effect of rotation speed on the finalproducts. On the other hand, the total weight loss of the composites isclosely related to the nanoparticle concentration, the higher the load,the less the weight loss (sample #4<sample #3<sample #5˜sample #6).Assuming that the polymers were all burned at 550° C., the differencebetween the total weight loss and the polymer 5 for the sample #4, #3,#5 and #6 is 16.7%, 15.0%, 12.5% and 13.1%, respectively, which are muchhigher than that for the pure tungsten nanopowder.

TABLE 2 Summary of TGA Results Difference of Total Residual Total WeightOnset Onset Tungsten Mass at Weight Loss and Temp. Temp. Powder Polymer550° C. Loss Polymer (° C.) (° C.) Sample (wt %) (wt %) (%) (%) (%)T_(onset),₁ T_(onset),₁ Tungsten 100 0 94.7 5.3 5.3 141 Nanopowder 373.8 26.2 58.8 41.2 15.0 385 472 4 84.9 15.1 68.2 31.8 16.7 386 470 565.2 34.8 52.7 47.3 12.5 384 468 6 65.2 34.8 52.1 47.9 13.1 382 468

(D) Hot Press Molding

Ten selected composites (sample #1-#7, #9, #10 and #13) from Table 1were compression molded with a Carver Laboratory Press into rectangularsheets with dimensions: L×W×H 42×25×1 mm. The composites collected afterthe mixing experiments were first cut into 2-3 mm small pieces, and thesmall pieces were weighed to have enough material for the mold size andthen these pieces were placed in the mold. The press was electricallyheated to 180° C. and the sample sheet was made under 7.8 MPa for fourminutes, and then immediately cooling down with water for ten minutes.FIG. 7 shows the photograph of the compression molded sheets of sample#2 (65.2 wt % powder) and #4 (84.9 wt % powder).

(E) Perspective

The polymer and tungsten nanopowder were melt mixed at 200° C. in MBMand APAM. The MBM was used for most mixing experiments since it waseasier for feeding the materials. In the experiments described herein,the maximum loading of the tungsten particle was found to be around 85wt % in the MBM either by adding the materials together or by feedingthe materials in successive steps. The Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA)of the tungsten nanopowder and four selected composite samples (#3, #4,#5 and #6) showed that the residual mass at 550° C. were 94.7%, 58.8%,68.2%, 52.7% and 52.1%, respectively. The TGA thermograms of thecomposites had two transition temperatures and the difference betweenthe total weight loss and the polymer for the sample #3, #4, #5 and #6was 15.0%, 16.7%, 12.5% and 13.1%, respectively, which were much higherthan that for the tungsten nanopowder alone, 5.3%. Selected compositesheets were compression molded at 180° C. in a hot press.

What is claimed is:
 1. A metal nanoparticle comprising a metal core andan outer layer encompassing said core, said outer layer comprising aplurality of organic substituents bonded to said metal core.
 2. Themetal nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein said metal core comprises a metalselected from the group consisting of germanium, antimony, polonium,tellurium, scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, actinium, titanium, zirconium,hafnium, rutherfordium, niobium, dubnium, chromium, molybdenum,seaborgium, manganese, technetium, rhenium, bohrium, ruthenium, osmium,hassium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, meitnerium, palladium, platinum,darmstadtium, copper, silver, roentgenium, zinc, cadmium, mercury,indium, gallium, thallium, ununbium, tungsten, gold, aluminum, bismuth,iron, vanadium, nickel, palladium, tin, lead, tantalum and uranium. 3.The metal nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein said metal core comprises ametal selected from the group consisting of tungsten, germanium, gold,aluminum, bismuth, iron, vanadium, silver, nickel, palladium, tin, lead,tantalum, copper, and uranium.
 4. The metal nanoparticle of claim 1,wherein said metal comprises tungsten.
 5. The metal nanoparticle ofclaim 1, wherein said plurality of organic substituents are selectedfrom the group consisting of substituted or unsubstituted alkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substitutedor unsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. 6.The metal nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein said plurality of organicsubstituents are selected from the group consisting of R¹-substituted orunsubstituted alkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,R¹-substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, R¹-substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted aryl,and R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; wherein R¹ is halogen,—CN, —S(O)_(n)R², —NR³R⁴, —C(O)R⁵, —NR⁶—C(O)R⁷, —NR⁸—C(O)—OR⁹,—C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, —NR¹²S(O)₂R¹³, —OR¹⁴, —S(O)₂NR¹⁵, R¹⁶-substituted orunsubstituted alkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl,R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted orunsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted aryl,or R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, wherein n is an integerfrom 0 to 2; and R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³,R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are independently hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl,unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted aryl, or unsubstituted heteroaryl. 7.The metal nanoparticle of claim 1, wherein said plurality of organicsubstituents have the formula:

wherein L¹ is R¹-substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, R¹-substitutedor unsubstituted heteroalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkylene,R¹-substituted or unsubstituted arylene, and R¹-substituted orunsubstituted heteroarylene; R¹ is halogen, —CN, —S(O)_(n)R², —NR³R⁴,—C(O)R⁵, —NR⁶—C(O)R⁷, —NR⁸—C(O)—OR⁹, —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, —NR¹²S(O)₂R¹³, —OR¹⁴,—S(O)₂NR¹⁵, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, R¹⁶-substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted orunsubstituted aryl, or R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl,wherein n is an integer from 0 to 2, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹,R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are independently hydrogen,substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl.
 8. A radiation shield comprising a metalnanoparticle, said metal nanoparticle comprising a metal core and anouter layer encompassing said core, said outer layer comprising aplurality of organic substituents covalently bonded to said metal core.9. The radiation shield of claim 8, wherein said radiation shield islead-free.
 10. The radiation shield of claim 8, wherein said radiationshield is used to shield radiation from a cell phone, a medical device,or a shielding for equipment and use in aerospace.
 11. The radiationshield of claim 8, wherein said radiation shield is a blanket, headcovering, foot covering, hand covering, an undergarment, an injectionmolded product, or an extruded product.
 12. The radiation shield ofclaim 8, wherein said personal radiation shield comprises a non-wovenmaterial, a fiber material, a film, a filament, or a woven material. 13.A method of making metal nanoparticles comprising: (a) contacting metalwith a diazonium compound substituted with an organic substituent; and(b) allowing said metal to react with the diazonium compound therebyforming metal nanoparticles wherein each of said metal nanoparticlescomprises a metal core bonded to an outer layer of said organicsubstituent.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein at least 50% of saidmetal nanoparticles are less than 1 μm in length in all dimensions. 15.The method of claim 13, wherein at least 70% of said metal nanoparticlesare less than 100 nm in length in all dimensions.
 16. The method ofclaim 13, wherein at least 80% of said of metal nanoparticles are lessthan 100 nm in length in all dimensions.
 17. The method of claim 13,wherein said plurality of organic substituents are selected from thegroup consisting of substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, substituted orunsubstituted aryl, and substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl.
 18. Themethod of claim 13, wherein said plurality of organic substituents areselected from the group consisting of R¹-substituted or unsubstitutedalkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, R¹-substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted aryl, andR¹-substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl; wherein R¹ is halogen, —CN,—S(O)_(n)R², —NR³R⁴, —C(O)R⁵, —NR⁶—C(O)R⁷, —NR⁸—C(O)—OR⁹, —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹,—NR¹²S(O)₂R¹³, —OR¹⁴, —S(O)₂NR¹⁵, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstitutedalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted orunsubstituted cycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted aryl, orR¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, wherein n is an integerfrom 0 to 2; and R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³,R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are independently hydrogen, unsubstituted alkyl,unsubstituted heteroalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, unsubstituted aryl, or unsubstituted heteroaryl. 19.The method of claim 13, wherein said plurality of organic substituentshave the formula:

wherein L¹ is R¹-substituted or unsubstituted alkylene, R¹-substitutedor unsubstituted heteroalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstitutedcycloalkylene, R¹-substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkylene,R¹-substituted or unsubstituted arylene, and R¹-substituted orunsubstituted heteroarylene; R¹ is halogen, —CN, —S(O)_(n)R², —NR³R⁴,—C(O)R⁵, —NR⁶—C(O)R⁷, —NR⁸—C(O)—OR⁹, —C(O)NR¹⁰R¹¹, —NR¹²S(O)₂R¹³, —OR¹⁴,—S(O)₂NR¹⁵, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, R¹⁶-substituted orunsubstituted heteroalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted cycloalkyl,R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heterocycloalkyl, R¹⁶-substituted orunsubstituted aryl, or R¹⁶-substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl,wherein n is an integer from 0 to 2, R², R³, R⁴, R⁵, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R⁹,R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴, R¹⁵ and R¹⁶ are independently hydrogen,substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheteroalkyl, unsubstituted cycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstitutedheterocycloalkyl, substituted or unsubstituted aryl, or substituted orunsubstituted heteroaryl.